Strawberry plant named ‘PS-5016’

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a new and distinct short-day variety of strawberry plant named ‘PS-5016’. This new strawberry variety ‘PS-5016’ is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of the central coast of California, and is primarily characterized by its large plant size, vigorous growth rate with flowers visible above the plant for most of the year, large foliage size, light green in color and strongly concave in cross section, highly productive with fruit ripening beginning early, and produced fruit is small in size, medium red in color, conical in shape with excellent firmness, gloss and appearance.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Fragaria ananassa.

Variety denomination: ‘PS-5016’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct short-day strawberry variety designated as ‘PS-5016’. This new variety is a result of a controlled cross made by the Inventors, Stephen M. Ackerman, Steven D. Nelson and Michael D. Nelson, in 1997 between strawberry variety designated ‘PS-1150’ (patented, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,780) and strawberry variety designated ‘PS-1269’ (patented, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,686). The variety is botanically known as Fragria ananassa.

The seedling resulting from the aforementioned cross was asexually propagated by stolons in a nursery located in Siskiyou County, Calif., and was subsequently selected by the Inventors from a controlled breeding plot near Salinas, Calif., in 1999. After its selection, the new variety was further asexually propagated by stolons in both Siskiyou County, Calif., and San Joaquin County, Calif. The new variety was extensively tested over the next several years in fruiting fields near Salinas, Calif. This propagation has demonstrated that the combination of traits disclosed herein as characterizing the new variety are fixed and remain true to type through successive generations of asexual reproduction.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

‘PS-5016’ is primarily adapted to the climate and growing conditions of the central coast of California. This region provides the necessary winter temperatures required for it to produce a strong vigorous plant and to remain in fruit production from April through November. The nearby Pacific Ocean provides the needed humidity and moderate temperatures to maintain fruit quality during the spring, summer and fall production months.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be unique characteristics of ‘PS-5016’, which in combination distinguish this strawberry plant as a new and distinct variety:

-   -   1. large plant size;     -   2. vigorous growth rate with flowers visible above the plant for         most of the year;     -   3. large foliage size, light green in color and strongly concave         in cross section;     -   4. highly productive with fruit ripening beginning early; and     -   5. produced fruit is small in size, medium red in color conical         in shape with excellent firmness, gloss and appearance.

The strawberry varieties that are believed to be most closely related to the new strawberry variety ‘PS-5016’ are the strawberry variety ‘PS-592’ (patented, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,903) and the parental strawberry variety ‘PS-1150’.

In comparison to the similar strawberry varieties ‘PS-592’ and ‘PS-1150’, ‘PS-5016’ differs by the following combination of characteristics as described in Table 1:

TABLE 1 ‘PS-592’ ‘PS-1150’ Characteristic ‘PS-5016’ (PP9,903) (PP10,780) Plant Size large large medium-small Stolon anthocyanin medium-strong medium-weak medium-strong coloration Foliage/Petioles Leaf color light green medium green medium green Leaf size large large small Shape in cross slightly-strongly slightly slightly section concave concave concave- flat Blistering medium-strong medium-strong medium-weak Stipule length medium long medium Fruit Size small large small Flavor very good very good good Color red red-orange red red Attitude of spreading- spreading- spreading- calyx segments collapsing reflexed collapsing Skin firmness strong medium strong Inflorescences Position relative above level with above to foliage to below Fruiting truss long long medium length Time of ripening early early late

For identification, a series of molecular markers have been determined for this new variety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying color photographs illustrate the overall appearance of typical specimens of the new strawberry variety ‘PS-5016’ at various stages of development as true as reasonably possible with color reproductions of this type. Color in the photographs may differ slightly from the color value cited in the detailed botanical description which accurately describe the color of ‘PS-5016’. The depicted plant and plant parts of the new strawberry variety ‘PS-5016’ were taken in Salinas, Calif., and are approximately 8 to 9 months old.

FIG. 1 shows typical fruiting field characteristics on Jun. 11, 2004;

FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of a typical mature tri-foliate on Jun. 3, 2004;

FIG. 3 shows a close-up view of fruit on Jul. 12, 2004;

FIG. 4 shows typical internal and external fruit characteristics on Jul. 16, 2004; and

FIG. 5 shows typical mature and immature field fruit on Jun. 3, 2004.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

‘PS-5016’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The characteristics of the new variety may vary in detail, depending upon variations in environmental factors, including weather (temperature, humidity and light intensity), day length, soil type and location.

The aforementioned photographs, together with the following description of the new strawberry variety ‘PS-5016’, unless otherwise noted, is based on observations taken during the 2004 growing season in Salinas, Calif. These measurements and ratings were taken from plants of ‘PS-5016’ dug from a high-elevation nursery located in Siskiyou County, Calif., during the middle of October 2003 and planted approximately 3 weeks later in Salinas, Calif. The approximate age of the observed plants is 8 to 9 months. Yield observations and fruit quality characterisitcs are averaged from three years of data collected from the 2002 through the 2004 growing seasons.

Color terminology follows the Munsell Book of Colors, Munsell Color, Baltimore, Md. (1976).

-   Fruit characteristics: Tables 2, 3 and 4 describe fruit, fruit     production and fruit quality characteristics of ‘PS-5016’. Fruit     characteristics are taken from secondary fruit on a first year     planting.

TABLE 2 2002-2004 market fruit yield and fruit size characteristics of ‘PS-5016’ with standards from Salinas, California. 2002-2004 2002-2004 2002-2004 Average Average Average April/May Total Fruit Yield Yield Size Cultivar GM/PL GM/PL GRM ‘PS-5016’ 292 1606 19.4 ‘PS-592’ 282 1598 22.7 ‘PS-1150’ 154 1277 17.3 Fruit was harvested from April through November 2002-2004. The plants of ‘PS-5016’ were dug from a high elevation nursery (Macdoel, California) during the middle of October and planted approximately 3 weeks later in Salinas, California. ‘PS-5016’ is compared with standards dug and planted comparably.

TABLE 3 Comparison of 2002-2004 fruit quality characteristics, including flavor and soluble solids of ‘PS-5016’, with standards from Salinas, California. Character ‘PS-5016’ ‘PS-592’ ‘PS-1150’ Skin Firmness* 8.1 7.8 8.5 Fruit Appearance* 8.3 7.8 8.2 Fruit Gloss* 8.0 8.3 8.5 Flavor** 3.0 3.2 2.7 Soluble Solids*** 8.2 9.2 7.8 *Results are averaged from 3 years of data collected from April through October 2002-2004. Ratings are based on a scale from 1-10; the higher the rating, the stronger the skin and more attractive and glossy the berry. **Results are averaged from 2 years of data collected from April through October 2003-2004. Ratings are based on a scale from 1-5; the higher the rating the better the flavor. ***Results are averaged from 1 year of data collected from April through October 2004. Soluble solid content is measured in percent Brix, with percent Brix being an indirect measurement of the sugar content in the fruit.

TABLE 4 Comparison of secondary fruit characteristics of ‘PS-5016’, with standards from Salinas, California, Jul. 13, 2004. Character ‘PS-5016’ ‘PS-592’ ‘PS-1150’ Munsell Color Range 7.5R 3/10 to 7.5R 3/12 to 7.5R 4/10 to Mature Fruit 7.5R 4/10 7.5R 4/12 7.5R 3/8 Fruit Length 3.9 4.7 4.1 mean (cm) Fruit Width 3.8 4.5 3.8 mean (cm) Fruit Length/ 1.03 1.04 1.09 Width Ratio Calyx Diameter 4.3 4.7 4.4 mean (cm) No. Sepals/Berry 14.7 13.3 12.9

-   Fruit:     -   -   Ratio of length to width.—As long as broad to slightly             longer than broad.         -   Size.—Medium.         -   Predominant shape.—Conical.         -   Difference in shapes between primary and secondary             fruit.—None to very slight.         -   Band without achenes.—Absent or very narrow.         -   Unevenness of surface.—Absent or very weak.         -   Color of mature fruit.—Red, (7.5R 3/10 to 7.5R 4/10).         -   Evenness of color.—Even.         -   Glossiness.—Medium.         -   Insertion of achenes.—Level with surface.         -   Insertion of calyx.—In basin to level with.         -   Attitude of the calyx segments.—Spreading to collapsing.         -   Size of calyx in relation to fruit diameter.—Slightly             larger.         -   Adherence of calyx (when fully ripe).—Strong.         -   Firmness of skin.—Medium to strong.         -   Firmness of flesh.—Medium to firm.         -   Color of flesh.—Medium red (7.5R 4/10 to 7.5R 4/12).         -   Distribution of red color of the flesh.—Marginal and             central.         -   Hollow center.—Moderately expressed.         -   Receptacle color.—Whitish (N 9.25/84.2%R to N 9/78.7%R).         -   Seed color.—Moderate red to moderate yellow (7.5R 3/8 to 5Y             6/8).         -   Seed size.—Small (average 0.53 mg).         -   Time of flowering ( 50 % of plants at first flower).—Early.         -   Time of ripening ( 50 % of plants with ripe fruit).—Early.         -   Type of bearing.—Not remontant. -   Plant characteristics: Table 5 describes plant characteristics of     ‘PS-5016’. Plant characteristics are taken from a fully mature mid     season plant.

TABLE 5 Comparison of plant characteristics of ‘PS-5016’, with standards from Salinas, California, Aug. 13, 2004. Character ‘PS-5016’ ‘PS-592’ ‘PS-1150’ Plant Height 33.9 33.5 26.5 mean (cm) Plant Spread 41.3 45.1 37.8 mean (cm)

-   Plant:     -   -   Size.—Large.         -   Habit.—Globose.         -   Density.—Medium.         -   Vigor.—Strong.         -   Stolons.—Number: Medium to few. Anthocyanin coloration: Weak             (7.5R 5/6 to 7.5R 6/6). Thickness: Thin. Pubescence: Medium             to strong. -   Foliage characteristics: Table 6 describes foliage characteristics     of ‘PS-5016’. Foliage characteristics are taken from a fully mature     tri-foliate during mid season.

TABLE 6 Comparison of leaf characteristics of ‘PS-5016’, with standards from Salinas, California, Jul. 1, 2004. Character ‘PS-5016’ ‘PS-592’ ‘PS-1150’ Munsell Color Range 7.5GY 3/4 to 7.5GY 4/4 to 7.5GY 4/4 to (upper surface) 7.5GY 3/6 7.5GY 3/4 7.5GY 3/4 Terminal Leaflet Length 9.2 9.8 7.3 mean (cm) Terminal Leaflet Width 8.4 7.8 6.1 mean (cm) Terminal Leaflet 1.09 1.26 1.20 ratio (L/W) Petiole Length 23.5 24.0 18.7 mean (cm) Petiole Width 3.6 4.8 3.0 mean (mm) Petiolule Length 13.7 10.4 9.2 mean (mm) Serrations/Leaf 22.8 20.3 20.2 Stipule Length 1.8 2.3 1.6 mean (cm) Stipule Width 0.93 0.75 0.75 mean (cm)

-   Foliage:     -   -   Color of upper surface.—Medium green, (7.5GY 3/4 to 7.5GY             3/6).         -   Color of under side.—Medium grey green, (5GY 5/4 to 5GY             6/4).         -   Shape in cross section.—Slightly concave to strongly             concave.         -   Blistering.—Medium to strong.         -   Glossiness.—Medium.         -   Number of leaflets/leaf.—Three.         -   Terminal leaflet.—Size: Large. Length/width ratio: As long             as broad to longer than broad. Shape of base: Obtuse. Shape             of incision of margins: Obtuse.         -   Petiole.—Pubescence: Moderate.         -   Anthocyanin coloration of stipule.—Medium.         -   Attitude of hairs.—Slightly outwards to upwards.         -   Frequency of bract leaflets.—Some (50-60%). -   Flowers and inflorescences: Table 7 describes inflorescence and     flower characteristics of ‘PS-5016’. Inflorescence characteristics     are taken from a fully mature plant while flower characteristics are     taken from a secondary flower during mid season.

TABLE 7 Comparison of inflorescence and secondary flower characteristics of ‘PS-5016’, with standards from Salinas, California, Jul. 14, 2004. Character ‘PS-5016’ ‘PS-592’ ‘PS-1150’ Fruiting Truss Length* 36.0 34.2 32.9 mean (cm) Corolla Diameter 3.3 3.6 3.1 mean (cm) Calyx Diameter 3.7 3.8 3.3 mean (cm) Petal Length 1.33 1.38 1.30 mean (cm) Petal Width 1.28 1.41 1.24 mean (cm) Petal L/W Ratio 1.03 .098 1.07 Petals/Flower (mean) 5.8 6.1 5.9 Sepal Length 1.38 1.47 1.15 mean (cm) Sepal Width 0.59 0.50 0.42 mean (cm) Sepal L/W Ratio 2.32 2.94 2.58 Sepals/Flower (mean) 12.0 12.3 11.9 *As measured from the base of the primary peduncle where it attaches to the crown of the plant to the furthest berry.

-   Inflorescence:     -   -   Position relative to foliage.—Above.         -   Pubescence.—Strong.         -   Anthocyanins.—Moderate.         -   Number of bract leaflets.—Bracts occur on about 90% of the             inflorescences.         -   Size of bract leaflets.—Large.         -   Fruiting truss length.—36.0 cm. -   Flowers:     -   -   Color.—White (N9.5/90.0%R to N9.25/84.2%R).         -   Size.—Medium.         -   Size of calyx relative to corolla.—Larger.         -   Relative position of petals.—Overlapping.         -   Petal length/width ratio.—As long as broad to longer than             broad. -   Pest reactions: This new variety may not be resistant to any of the     known insects, diseases or viruses common in California. It is known     to be tolerant to the two-spotted spider mite, aphid and flower     thrips when treated properly. It is also known to be moderately     tolerant to grey fruit mold, yet susceptible to powdery mildew and     angular leaf spot. The susceptibility of the new variety to any of     the virus complexes of California has not been determined. 

1. A new and distinct strawberry plant named ‘PS-5016’, as herein described and illustrated by the characteristics set forth above. 